0000000000948688
AUTHOR
Timothy J. Dunkerton
The Dynamics of Eye Formation and Maintenance in Axisymmetric Diabatic Vortices
Abstract This paper investigates the occurrence, formation, and maintenance of eyes in idealized axisymmetric balanced vortices with diabatic forcing. Two key elements of the model setup are temperature relaxation toward a specified equilibrium temperature Te and Ekman pumping from a turbulent boundary layer. Furthermore, the flow is assumed to be almost inviscid in the interior. The model does not attempt any closure for moist convection. Previous work by the authors has shown that there is a continuous transition from monsoonlike vortices to hurricane-like vortices. This transition is governed by the ratio ℱ = αT /cD, where αT is the thermal relaxation rate and cD the surface drag coeffic…
A Unified Perspective on the Dynamics of Axisymmetric Hurricanes and Monsoons
Abstract This paper provides a unified perspective on the dynamics of hurricane- and monsoonlike vortices by identifying them as specific limiting cases of a more general flow system. This more general system is defined as stationary axisymmetric balanced flow of a stably stratified non-Boussinesq atmosphere on the f plane. The model is based on the primitive equations assuming gradient wind balance in the radial momentum equation. The flow is forced by heating in the vortex center, which is implemented as relaxation toward a specified equilibrium temperature Te. The flow is dissipated through surface friction, and it is assumed to be almost inviscid in the interior. The heating is assumed …